Later that afternoon, the sunlight had mellowed, filtering softly through the wide glass dome above the Institute. William sat on the balcony outside, polishing his Poké Balls and taking in the city skyline below.
His team rested around him. Eevee on his lap, Kirlia meditating beside the railing, Electabuzz leaning lazily against the wall, Leafeon basking in a patch of sunlight, Ivysaur chewing contently on a leaf, Nidoran watching a passing Pidgeotto curiously, and Chikorita napping peacefully in a flowerpot.
Sakuragi approached quietly from behind. "You've done something remarkable, William. The Mysterious Garden…. the data you've brought will reshape how we think about natural evolution. Also the samples which you gave are very helpful for other research purposes."
William chuckled softly. "I didn't go there for science. I just wanted to see what others called a myth. I must be very lucky to arrive there."
"Then you've done what great explorers always do," Sakuragi replied warmly. "You chased curiosity and found truth."
The two stood in companionable silence for a moment. The hum of distant traffic mixed with the cries of Wingull circling the port below.
Finally, William picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. "I'll be heading out again tomorrow."
"So, what is your destination?" Sakuragi asked, though his smile already held the answer.
"Saffron City," William said simply. "I've still got more to learn and challenge the Gyms for the Gym's badges."
Sakuragi nodded. "Then keep your eyes open. Saffron is the heart of Kanto's psychic research and its shadows. If you want to know more about psychic power, I can give you the recommendation letter to one of my friends."
William smirked slightly. "Sounds like my kind of place. I am also very appreciated for the help, Professor."
Eevee leapt up with a cheerful cry. Kirlia gave a nod, eyes glowing faintly. Electabuzz stretched both of his arms wide, sparks flickering lazily from his fingertips. Leafeon flicked her tail gracefully. Ivysaur gave a low grunt of approval.
Nidoran hopped near William's boot. And Chikorita climbed onto his shoulder, leaf bouncing with excitement.
Sakuragi smiled, his coat flapping in the gentle breeze. "Safe travels, William. And remember...."
William turned, meeting his gaze.
"....when curiosity guides your path, the world itself will open its doors."
William gave a small nod. "Then I'll keep walking."
As he and his Pokémon descended the hill, the late-afternoon light painted their silhouettes long across the pavement. The breeze from the sea carried laughter and the faint smell of ozone, the scent of storms and adventure ahead.
The road to Saffron City awaited his pokemons and him.
~~~ Route 6 ~~~
The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of Route 6, a narrow trail of green fields and winding paths connecting Vermilion and Saffron City. The gentle hum of the countryside replaced the noise of the city behind them. Wild Oddish bobbed in the tall grass, and flocks of Pidgey swooped lazily overhead.
It felt like the first true breath of peace since the last gym battle.
William adjusted his pack and looked over the small ridge ahead. "We're making good time. If we keep this pace, we'll reach Saffron before sunset."
Eevee trotted along beside him, tail swaying proudly, while Chikorita sat perched in his arms with her leaf swaying in rhythm with his steps. The two Pokémon, however, were not getting along really well.
Eevee gave a smug little hop onto William's shoulder, brushing her soft tail under his chin.
"Vee~ vee," she cooed, practically purring.
Chikorita's eyes narrowed instantly. Her leaf stiffened, and she let out a sharp little "Chika!" — as if scolding a misbehaving rival.
William blinked. "What's with you two?"
Eevee turned her head slightly, giving Chikorita a triumphant glance, like a queen flaunting her crown.
Chikorita, unwilling to lose ground, hopped from William's arm onto his other shoulder while glaring dagger at Eevee like a rival actress fighting for camera time.
Kirlia floated behind them with a soft sigh, projecting a psychic whisper that sounded suspiciously amused:
'They're competing for your attention again…'
William groaned lightly. "Yeah, I noticed."
Electabuzz chuckled, crossing his arms with a spark of mischief. "Buzz-buzz," he muttered, clearly entertained by the little drama.
Leafeon and Ivysaur walked at the rear, quietly observing, their expressions halfway between tolerant and weary parental figures watching their kids argue over toys.
The journey is filled with fun and drama between the two pokemons, Chikorita and Eevee. William encounters some of the powerful wild Pokemons but his pokemons, Electabuzz and Kirlia easily take the turn to take them out.
For some low level Pokemons, William faced them with Eevee,Nidoran, Ivysaur or Leafeon. He also let Chikorita faces some wild Pokemon which of them are very easy to handle for her.
After all, Chikorita didn't get that much training with him yet. So, William is observing and taking notes for the training which she needs to do.
The peace didn't last long for William and his pokemons.
As they turned a bend in the dirt path, a young man in a green jacket stepped forward, tossing a Poké Ball in his hand. His brown hair was wind-tossed, his grin confident.
"Hey there, traveler! I'm Loko from Celadon City! You look like a strong trainer. Care for a battle?"
William smiled faintly. "Sure. A warm-up before Saffron sounds good."
Trainer Loko grinned wide and took his place across the small clearing. "Two Pokémon each! Are you ready to take a beating?"
"You are so confident,huh. Then try to last a little longer,will you."
William pulled a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it forward. "Let's go, Nidoran!"
The small, violet Pokémon materialized in a flash of light with his blue sleek hide catching a faint shimmer under the sunlight. His eyes gleamed fiercely with fighting spirit.
Loko whistled. "A shiny one, huh? That's rare! Let's see what you've got. Go, Growlithe!"
The orange pup landed on the field with a bark, fire licking faintly at its fangs. It's looking at Nidoran with battle ready stance and determined looks.
William is very surprised because from the information he got. To raise Growlithe, you needed to get permission from Officer Jenny family members or Pokemon League Association. The wild ones are so rare to encounter in these days.
William asks Loko with interest. "Are you one of the family members of Officer Jenny? Because Growlithe is rare to see."
Loko smiles with sheep like expression and explains. "I got that a lot whenever I battle with him. My father gave me for my starter pokemon. He wanted me to be like him, the Police Officer. Now, enough chit chat. Let's start the battle."
William smiled at Loko who just changed the subject. He can tell this guy is also someone who is heading towards his dreams and goals.
***************
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